Author's beginning note: I will be going back to college in less than a week and I will be unable to update as often as I like but I will try to update and add new chapters as often as I can and as time and college workload will allow me. I hope you will enjoy reading my take on the Macross Saga episodes, The Messenger and Force of Arms.
TWO OF A KIND
CHAPTER TWENTY
ZENTRAEDI APOCALYPSE
"Do we have a visual, Sammie?"
"Yes we do sir."
"Put it up on the main monitor." Gloval said pointing his finger to the screen.
"Aye-aye sir."
Sammie pressed a button and an image of Breetai came up the huge main screen. He seemed to fill up the whole screen.
"I am Captain Henry J. Gloval, commanding officer of the SDF-1. To whom am I speaking to?"
"I am Lord Breetai, commander of the Zentraedi task force."
"Lord Breetai, what is your reason for wanting to speak to me?"
"Captain Gloval, we need to talk. I would like to negotiate a cessation of our current hostilities with you."
"My compliments to you for contacting me and wanting to talk a cease-fire. But how do I know that this is not a trick or an act of deception on your part?"
"I understand your skepticism captain. As a gesture of good will, I am standing down my forces and ordered them not to attack you. If any ship or battlepod attacks you they will be dealt with harshly and immediately. Also, I am sending my minister of affairs Exedore to you as my envoy and emissary. If any unauthorized rogue attack occurs during the time Exedore is with you, you may hold him as a prisoner of war but I ask that you do not hold him as a spy."
Gloval nodded his head in agreement. "Very good. I agree with your request. In return I will immediately stand down my forces and order them to do the same."
"I thank you Captain Gloval."
"When should we expect your envoy?"
"Twenty-four Earth hours. He is currently undergoing resizing in our resizing chamber and he needs some time to recover from the process. We will meet you at your current coordinates where we will send Exedore over to you in a battlepod."
"We're looking forward to meeting him."
"I hope all will work out for our mutual benefit."
"I hope so too. Good day Lord Breetai."
"Good day to you Captain Gloval. Breetai out."
"Sammie, open up the intercom system to the whole ship."
"Aye-aye sir. You're on sir."
"Thank you Sammie. ATTENTION ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL. THIS IS THE CAPTAIN SPEAKING. UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE ALL COMBAT FORCES ARE ON STAND DOWN. THAT INCLUDES ALL FIGHTER SQUADRONS BUT SOME SQUADRONS ARE TO REMAIN ON ALERT 5 FOR IMMEDIATE TAKE-OFF SHOULD THE SITUATION WARRANT IT. THAT IS ALL."
ZENTRAEDI ARMADA
MOON ORBIT
24 HOURS LATER
Exedore fully recovered from the effects of the resizing was dressed in a blue sleeveless sackcloth tunic with a red belt tied around his waist. Because he was shrunk down to human size, Exedore had to lifted to a table so that Breetai can talk to him without having to bend or kneel down to talk.
"Are you ready to do this my friend?"
"Yes, I am well prepared my lord. I went over all that you want to be discussed with the Micronians and I have written notes of what may come up in negotiations with them."
Breetai slowly nodded his head in satisfaction. "Very good my friend. Let me carry you to the flight bay." Breetai said as he lowered his hand palm up.
"Thank you my lord."
The pair did not say a word as Breetai walked Exedore to the flight bay. When they reached the bay, a battlepod with its front hatch opened and a pilot was waiting for them. Breetai stopped in front of the pilot.
"You have your orders correct?"
"Yes my lord."
"The Micronians have put their forces on stand down so you should not any problems but still deliver Exedore safely to the SDF-1. If the situation suddenly goes bad and the ship is attacked, leave the ship immediately and as fast as you can but leave Exedore behind."
"Yes my lord." the pilot said before climbing in the battlepod.
Breetai then walked over to the battlepod and lowered his hand to the seat and Exedore walked off Breetai's hand. He had just enough room to sit himself down. Breetai then leaned in to give some final words to Exedore clearly reluctant to see his friend and advisor go.
"Good luck my friend. I hope negotiations with the Micronians goes well for you. We need you to succeed."
"I am well aware of that my lord. I will not fail you or our people."
Breetai nodded before stepping away from the battlepod. The pilot closed the hatch and turned on the engines. A gigantic bay door opened and the battlepod using its leg thrusters began to fly away towards the SDF-1.
SDF-1
"Captain, Zentraedi ship just appeared in front of us at 100 kilometers and 10 degrees off our starboard bow and a battlepod is flying towards us." Lisa's replacement Lieutenant Anderson said.
"Is the ship making any hostile moves?"
"No sir."
"Well, so far so good. Do we have a visual on the ship and battlepod?"
"Yes sir."
"Put it up on the main screen."
"Aye-aye sir."
A picture of Breetai's ship and battlepod came up on the video monitors.
"Who do we have on the flight line for immediate take-off, Nikki?"
"Two veritechs from Galaxy squadron sir."
"Launch them immediately and have them intercept the battlepod then escort them to the ship."
"Aye-aye sir. Bridge to Buzzard leader, I am turning you over to flight deck personnel. You are cleared for take-off."
"Roger bridge. Buzzard leader out."
A camera overlooking the flight deck showed two veritechs taking off and intercepting the battlepod. They then split off, turned, and went on either side of the battlepod. After a few minutes of waiting, Claudia turned to Gloval.
"Captain, the battlepod is in hangar bay one."
"Very good. Claudia, you have the bridge. I'm going to the hangar bay to greet our visitor. Notify Colonel Maistroff and have him meet me at the hangar bay. Oh…and just in case if that Zentraedi ship tries to do anything funny, train our guns on her. If they make any hostile moves, blast them."
"Aye-aye sir."
HANGAR BAY
The battlepod pilot and Exedore stayed in the battlepod waiting for Colonel Maistroff and Captain Gloval to arrive. They did not have to wait long before a limousine motorcade that was being escorted in the front and rear by a phalanx of military and civilian police motorcycles and cars came into the hangar bay with their lights flashing and sirens blaring. Maistroff arrived in his car about the same time as Gloval did in his. The Zentraedi pilot then climbed out of the battlepod. Just as soon as he climbed out, he heard the reedy voice of Exedore who was highly miffed at not being lifted out of the battlepod.
"Aren't you forgetting someone?"
"Oh, excuse me your Eminence. Please forgive me. My humblest apologies to you.", the pilot said as he lowered his hand to the seat of the battlepod so that Exedore can step on. The pilot then lifted Exedore out of the battlepod and lowered him onto the deck of the hangar bay.
"Hmph! How do these Micronians ever survive being in these frail little bodies." Exedore said as he was looking over his now shrunken body.
Gloval and Maistroff were standing several feet away from Exedore talking to themselves and sizing him up, not sure what to make of the now human size alien.
"I hope you don't mind Henry but I called for the limousine and the police escort. I figured that the Zentraedi will be bringing over a high ranking official, so what not make a good impression on him." Maistroff said to Gloval in a low tone of voice not wanting their conversation to be heard by Exedore.
"No, I don't mind Robert. You did the right thing."
"So how do you want to work this Henry?"
"Why don't you go up and break the ice Robert. You're more of the diplomatic type then me. You know how to deal with situations like this better than me."
"Yes sir." Maistroff said as he turned and walked towards Exedore with his right hand extended.
"Colonel Robert Maistroff, Robotech Defense Force. I am Captain Henry J. Gloval's chief-of-staff. Welcome aboard the SDF-1."
Exedore looked at Maistroff's hand unsure of what to do next.
"This is how we greet each other sir."
"Ah yes. The ancient human barbarian custom of soldiers showing they are unarmed which later on became a gesture of greeting. I am Exedore, Minister of Affairs for the Zentraedi and advisor to Fleet Commander Lord Breetai." Exedore said as he took Maistroff's hand and shook it.
"Minister Exedore, let me introduce you to our commanding officer. Would you please follow me?" Maistroff said as he leads Exedore by almost putting his hand on the small of Exedore's back and guiding him to where Gloval was standing.
"Minister Exedore, this is Captain Henry J. Gloval, commanding officer of the SDF-1."
"Minister Exedore, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." Captain Gloval said as he extended his right hand.
"The feelings are mutual Captain Gloval." Exedore said as he grabbed Gloval's hand and shook it.
"Thank you Minister Exedore. My compliments to you. Well then, now that we have met each other, shall we leave?"
"Yes, by all means let's leave Captain Gloval." Exedore said as he was being led by Gloval to a waiting limousine.
Gloval leaned in to talk to Maistroff and talked in a low tone of voice so as their conversation cannot be overheard by Exedore.
"Why don't you ride with the minister Robert and see if you can extract some information from him. But don't try to make it sound like an interrogation. I just want to know what is he really here for."
"You got it Henry."
He then walked over to his aide. "Lieutenant Willard, I'm riding with the minister. You and Sgt. Bell can leave the hangar bay. You have the rest of the day. I have a feeling that I will indisposed for a while."
"Yes sir."
Maistroff began walking back to the limousine. Just about the time Maistroff opened the left rear passenger door of the black limousine, Maistroff's enlisted aide and driver came running up to him.
"Sir, what will the Zentradei pilot do in the meantime? He can't just stand around here in the hanger bay all by himself and do nothing."
"Hmm. You're right sergeant. Feed him."
"WHAT?"
"You heard me sergeant. Feed him."
"Sir, have you seen how tall he is? Where am I going to find enough food to feed him?"
"Sergeant, don't argue with me! You're in the military! You suppose to know how to adapt, improvise and overcome. Now do as I order you to do! And have someone stay in the hangar bay with the pilot so that the pilot has someone to talk to and keep company with."
"Yes sir."
As soon as the limousine carrying Exedore and Maistroff, and the car carrying Captain Gloval left the hangar bay, Sgt. Bell took his radio out of his belt holster and tuned into a channel. "Sgt. Bell to transportation. Do you copy? Over."
"This is transportation. I read you loud and clear Will. Over."
"Ah Joe, can you and several other of your people go to the main galley and requisition…oh…I don't know…two flatbed truckload worth of food and have it delivered to Hangar Bay One ASAP? Over."
"WHAT? ARE YOU FRIGGING ME KIDDING ME?"
"Look Joe this order came from Maistroff and the old man never kids around! Just do as I ask you to do! Over."
"What's going on in the hangar bay? Another party for some fighter jock?"
"Don't ask questions Joe! Just do as I order you! Over and out!"
MACROSS CITY
As he was being driven around the streets of Macross city, Exedore just like Bron, Konda, and Rico when they were first snuck onboard the SDF-1 was experiencing culture shock as he was bewildered, overwhelmed, and confused at the sights and sounds of the city and how the city was laid out. But it wasn't the only thing that bothered Exedore.
'Everything here is so disorganized. There is no symmetry to this city whatsoever. Everyone is either milling about or walk alone or with someone of the opposite sex. I do not see any uniform, no military discipline. How in the universe did these Micronians keep defeating us in battle is beyond my comprehension? It must be Protoculture. There is no other reasonable explanation for it.'
"So, how do you like our city, Minister Exedore?"
"It's...interesting to say the least colonel. It's something that I have never seen before."
"I see."
"Where are we colonel?"
"This is Macross' shopping district."
"Ah yes. This is where you use something called money to purchase and requisition goods and services."
"Um, you got the gist of it Minister Exedore. But in order to have money, we have to have a job where we get paid so we can buy things."
"I see."
As they were riding along Exedore saw something that made him grit and clench his teeth and recoil in horror. It was a huge billboard that was advertising a women's lingerie store that featured a very curvy and athletic young woman lying on her stomach dressed in a hot pink bra and panty set that barely covered her very large and ample breasts, and her vaginal and buttock areas.
"Would you mind explaining that to me colonel? What is that?" Exedore asked in a shocked demanding tone of voice as he was pointing at the billboard.
Maistroff's face suddenly turned a deep beet red. "Well…um…it's a little bit hard to explain Minister Exedore."
Exedore then crossed his thin arms across his chest and nodded. "Aha! Then it's no doubt that it's a military secret. Clever. Very clever indeed colonel."
Maistroff relived that he did not have to explain something that was so simple to humans yet so complicated and unknown to still many of the Zentraedi, silently blew out a big breath of relief thankful he didn't say something that could throw off the delicate and not yet formal negotiations and relations with them.
"Ah…yes…it's something classified minister."
"I see colonel."
SDF-1
CAPTAIN'S CONFERENE ROOM
Maistroff and Exedore arrived at the conference room several minutes behind Gloval. Once they walked inside the room, Gloval was waiting for them with a chief petty officer yeoman and several young officers that were aides. He got up from his chair and walked up the Exedore. "Would you please excuse us for a brief moment, Exedore?"
"Yes captain."
Gloval pulled Maistroff over to the side of the room out of earshot of Exedore and talked into his ear in a low tone of voice so that their conversation again cannot be overheard by Exedore. "Were you able to get any information out of him Robert?"
"No. I wasn't able to Henry. I spent most of the time trying to explain our culture to him. Sorry, I tried my best Henry but either the minister is very curious or he knows what I was trying to do."
"No need to apologize Robert. At least you tried."
"Thanks Henry." Gloval and Maistroff then turned their attention to Exedore.
"Minister Exedore, do you have any change of clothes with you?"
"I'm afraid I do not captain."
"There should be no problems in finding clothes for you to wear but I'm afraid you will have to wear RDF uniforms for now until we can find some civilian clothes for you."
"Uniforms are sufficient for me captain."
"Very good."
He then turned to a young male ensign. "Ensign Holland, escort the minister to the quartermaster and have him fitted for two uniforms."
"Aye-aye sir. Minister Exedore, can you come with me please?", the ensign said to Exedore.
"Lead the way ensign."
"Thank you sir."
ONE HOUR LATER
The ensign and Exedore arrived back at the conference room with Exedore fitted in a white RDF uniform. He then took a seat across from Gloval.
"So Minister Exedore, shall we get started?" Gloval asked.
"Before we begin Captain Gloval, I like to ask that your senior officers and staff members be included in our talks. I also would like to include Miriya Sterling, her husband, and our three former operatives in our talks. The reason why I want them will be made more clear as our discussions goes along."
Gloval wondered why Exedore would make such a request but he decided not to ask questions as of yet.
"Very well. Lieutenant Yamada."
A young female Japanese lieutenant junior grade snapped to attention. "Yes sir."
"Can you go into my office and on the intercom have Lieutenant Commander Fokker, Grant, Rick Hunter, Ensign Sterling, and Captain Sterling report to the conference room on the double? Also, get some people to track down Bron, Konda, and Rico and have them escorted to the conference room."
"Yes sir."
Seconds later, a beautiful and finely accented Japanese female voice was being heard on the intercom system. "WILL LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ROY FOKKER, LIEUTENANT COMMANDER CLAUDIA GRANT, LIEUTENANT COMMANDER RICK HUNTER, ENSIGN MIRIYA STERLING, AND CAPTAIN MAX STERLING REPORT TO CAPTAIN'S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE DOUBLE? REPEATING, WILL LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ROY FOKKER, LIEUTENANT COMMANDER CLAUDIA GRANT, LIEUTENANT COMMANDER RICK HUNTER, ENSIGN MIRIYA STERLING, AND CAPTAIN MAX STERLING REPORT TO CAPTAIN'S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE DOUBLE? THAT IS ALL."
It had taken fifteen minutes for Roy, Claudia, Rick, Miriya, and Max to reach the conference room. The five of them met each other about half way to the conference and all of them were wondering and asking why they were being called into the conference room for. None of them knew why. When the five officers approached the closed door of the conference room, Roy spoke for them.
"Well, I guess we'll find out soon enough." Roy said before knocking on the door.
They heard the voice of Captain Gloval through the closed door. "Come in and take a seat."
As Miriya walked in the conference room, a familiar voice spoke up.
"Ah! Hello Quadrono Leader Miriya Parino! It is good to see you again."
Miriya turned in the direction of the voice and was shocked to see Exedore. By reflective instinct Miriya gave the Zentraedi salute. "Exedore! Your Eminence! I did not know you're the emissary."
"At ease Quadrono Leader. I saw your…marriage ceremony. It was quite…interesting and provocative to say the least."
Miriya did not know what to say. "You and Lord Breetai must be wondering why I did it your Eminence."
"Yes we are. But no doubt you are probably wondering why I am here."
"The thought did cross my mind when I first saw you, your Eminence."
"All will be explained to all of you in due time."
Exedore then spotted Max. "And this must your mate. The male half of your pair."
Max was temporarily taken aback at what Exedore said and for a few seconds was dumbfounded, not knowing how to reply to Exedore's statement. "Ah…yes sir. I'm Miriya's husband Max Sterling."
"Good meeting you Captain Sterling." Exedore said extending his right hand.
"Thank you sir." Max said shaking Exedore's hand.
"And good seeing you again Lieutenant Commander Hunter." Exedore said extending his right hand.
"Ah…likewise sir. But I have to admit I like it now than the last time I saw you." Rick said as he took Exedore's hand and kept shaking it.
"You can let go of my hand now lieutenant commander."
Rick's face turned beet red. "Oh! I'm sorry, sir. It's just that I'm not used to seeing you at human size. It's going to take some time for me to get used to seeing you at human size."
"Yes…well…now I know what it is like to be in your micronized bodies."
Rick picked up on the sarcastic tone of Exedore's remark. It is as if he was saying; 'And I hate it.'
"Lieutenant commander, if I might ask you; how did you, Commander Hayes, and Lieutenant Dixon managed to escape us?"
"Well…umm"
"Another one of your military secrets I suppose." Exedore said in an exasperated tone of voice.
"Well…uh…I guess you can say that sir."
"Hmph."
A knock on the door brought an end to Rick's and Exedore's exchange much to Exedore's chagrin and Rick's relief.
"It must be them. Come in and take a take a seat."
Walking inside the conference room was the enlisted aide ordered to find Bron, Konda, and Rico and bring them in along with the three ex-spies. When the trio saw Exedore, they recoiled in shock and horror. They cringed as Exedore gave them a cold and hardened death stare.
"It's Minister Exedore!" they all yelled at the same time.
"So…look who managed to show themselves to me here today. You three have the temerity of showing yourselves since you three are the instigators of all the mass defections that has occurred in the fleet. You three have caused nothing but chaos and problems in the fleet!"
In a trembling voice Rico was the first to speak. "But your Excellency…it wasn't our fault."
"He's right your Excellency! It was something that was beyond our control!" Konda added.
"We had no idea any of this would occur, your Excellency! Once we told our friends about Minmei, it just spread!" Bron chimed in.
"Relax you three. I have no intentions of harming you. I am here to negotiate with Captain Gloval about a cessation of our hostilities."
Gloval then spoke up. "So, now that everyone is here, can all of us take our seats so we can get these negotiations underway."
Exedore then interrupted. "We cannot begin our negotiations just yet Captain Gloval."
"And why not Minister Exedore?" Gloval asked as he was getting annoyed at Exedore's delay.
"Because several other people are not here among us."
Many people in the room groaned. Maistroff buried his head in hands.
"I just knew it." Maistroff said to himself.
"Minister Exedore, you never told us that you wanted this people when you requested Ensign Sterling and everyone else."
"I realize that Captain Gloval. But you will have to excuse me because I did not know I would need to speak to them until now."
"Then who is it, Minister Exedore?"
"One of them possesses great fighting abilities that are truly extraordinary. And the other is a female who is at the core of your psychological assault."
'Psychological assault?' "Can you describe them to us, Minister Exedore?"
As Exedore began describing fighting scenes from Minmei's movie. Maistroff began to think back to the various defectors debriefing reports he received from RDF Intelligence and J-2 about some of the Zentraedi somehow saw the movie for themselves and mistook what they saw on the screen as real. He then leaned over to Gloval. "Henry, I think he's describing scenes from Miss Minmei's movie, Little White Dragon. The Zentraedi must have somehow saw the movie also and they think that the special effects and the stunt man's work are for real."
"I know. I was beginning to think the same thing, Robert. Minister Exedore, you must have misinterpreted what you saw. What you saw was special effects from a movie that we see for entertainment and nothing else. Nothing what you saw was real."
"And as far as we know Minister Exedore, we have never employed any kind of psychological warfare against you. Can you describe the specifics of this female to us?" Maistroff asked.
"For one, she is tiny and very diminutive. And, she appears to be performing some kind of a strange ritualistic chant.
Bron's eyes went wide when he realized who Exedore was talking about. "Fellas, do you think Exedore's talking about"
"No! He couldn't!" Konda whispered to his friends.
"Yes he is Konda! He must be talking about Minmei." Rico whispered.
Exedore stood up and began singing Stage Fright imitating Minmei's body motions she makes on stage at her concerts. It was awful. Everyone in the room either was covering their ears or making a frown of disapproval of Exedore's singing.
'Oh boy! This guy's worse than the fighter jocks at one of their many wild parties singing drunk at the karaoke machine.' Gloval said to himself.
"Minister Exedore, I'm getting the gist of who you're talking about. Can you please stop singing?"
Much to the relief of everyone's ears, Exedore stopped singing.
"Thank you Minister Exedore. Minister Exedore, I know who you are talking about. It's Miss Minmei."
"Can you bring her here, Captain Gloval?"
"I will try my best, Minister Exedore."
He turned in Rick's direction. "Commander Hunter, do you know what Miss Minmei is doing right now?"
"To tell you the truth sir, I really don't know because she and I really haven't talked much with each other for over a month. But, if I dare to make a guess, she's probably still recording her latest album. So, most likely she will be at the recording studio."
Gloval then turned to Maistroff. "Robert, can you take a car and a driver over to the recording studio and find out if Miss Minmei is there? If she is, bring her here immediately!"
"Yes sir." Maistroff said with a nod of his head. He then got up from his chair and left the room.
Gloval looked at his watch. "All right everyone, I don't know how long it will take Colonel Maistroff to bring Miss Minmei here. So everyone can get up, leave the room, stretch and take a break, get a cup of coffee and something light to eat. But be close by this room when Miss Minmei arrives here so we can get these talks going right away."
"Yes sir." everyone in the room said as the squeaking sounds of wheeled chair legs rolling against the floor was heard.
30 MINUTES LATER
It had taken Maistroff fifteen minutes to reach the recording studio. When he walked in the studio, the desk receptionist told him that Minmei was finishing up recording her latest album.
"Can you please page Miss Minmei or tell her I'm here. It's imperative that I talk with her right now ma'am."
"I know which recording booth she's at. I'll go in the engineer's booth and tell her."
"Thank you ma'am."
The receptionist left her desk and walked in the engineer's booth. Minmei was in the recording booth listening to a song she had just finished recording.
"Howie, I need to speak with Miss Minmei."
"Go ahead Roxie."
"Thanks Howie." She pressed a button to talk with Minmei by the intercom. "Miss Minmei."
"Yes Roxie. What is it?"
"I have someone from the RDF at the reception desk wanting to speak to you. He's says it's important he speaks with you."
"Do you know who it is?"
"No, I do not Miss Minmei."
"Did he say why?"
"No he didn't Miss Minmei."
Minmei gave a look of frustration. "Fine. I'll be out. Just give me a minute. Take a break Howie."
"Thank you Miss Minmei."
"No problem Roxie."
'I wonder who it is. It certainly can't be Rick. That son of a bitch hasn't called me in over a month.' Minmei said to herself as she was walking down the hall to the reception desk.
"Oh Colonel Maistroff. It's good seeing you again."
"Hello Miss Minmei. It's good seeing you also. How are you?"
"I'm doing well. Why are you here?"
"Miss Minmei, you need to come with me to the base. I have a car waiting for you."
"Why?"
"I'm sorry Miss Minmei, I'm not at liberty to discuss that with you here in a non-cleared area. Please, I need you to come with me."
"All right."
Minmei and Maistroff left the recording studio and walked to the outside of the studio to find the enlisted driver opening the back door to the car. Minmei and Maistroff both got in as the driver closed the door, got into the driver's side and took off.
"I'm sorry this is not a limousine Miss Minmei."
"That's quite all right Colonel Maistroff. I don't mind."
When Maistroff and Minmei finally made it to the conference room, Maistroff opened the door for Minmei. She walked in to see Rick, Roy, his girlfriend Claudia Grant and other people she did not know. She waved at Rick with a big smile on her face. Rick just acknowledged Minmei with a half-hearted smile and a slight wave of his hand. Minmei gave a slight frown and sat down at an empty chair. Gloval then stood up with a dead stern look on his face to let everyone know he is serious.
"All right. Before we begin I want to let everyone in this room to know that this meeting is classified TOP SECRET which means OPSEC requirements are applied. You are not to talk to anyone about what went on or discussed in this room. Not a word of this is to be leaked to the media. If word of this ever leaks out, the consequences will be catastrophic and the person responsible for the leak will be thrown in the brig until the day of their court martial. Do…I…make…myself…clear?"
"YES SIR!" every military person shouted in unison.
"Miss Minmei, I ask that you do the same. Please don't tell what you have heard in the room to anyone. If you do, the damage to our security will be great."
Minmei nodded her head. "Of course captain. I won't tell anyone."
"Now that everyone is here, Minister Exedore, can you please tell us why you are here?"
"I will Captain Gloval but in due time. But first, I need to ask some questions of you and your people."
Gloval gave out a low growl of frustration. He wanted Exedore to get to the reason why he was here but Exedore would not let him. He had control of the talks and there was nothing that Gloval could do to take back control from him. He had to give in to the now dwarfish alien.
"Very well, Minister Exedore. Go ahead."
"Thank you captain. First, Miss Minmei, what is your military rank and status?"
Minmei was taken aback by Exedore's question. She had a look of surprise on her face. "Excuse me, sir? You must be mistaken I'm not military."
Now it was Exedore's turn to have a look of surprise. "You're not?"
"No sir. I'm a civilian. I'm just a singer and an entertainer."
"Oh…I see." Exedore said unsure of what to do or say next.
Just then an attractive young female officer with short brown hair came with a glass of orange juice on a tray and laid it within Exedore's hand reach. Unsure of why the young officer put the glass of juice near him and not knowing whether or not the Micronians are trying to poison him or had put some kind of truth serum in the drink, he hesitated.
"Go ahead and drink it sir. It won't harm you." the young officer said with a reassuring smile.
Exedore slowly grasped the glass and cupped it in his hand. He then raised it to his lips and took a small tentative sip. When the juice hit his tongue, it tasted sweet with just a slight tinge of acidic bitterness. The taste and savor was something that he never tasted before.
"Mmm, this is refreshing. Very refreshing indeed. What is this?"
"It's orange juice sir. It's from our own hydroponic orchards."
"You mean you grow it?"
"Yes sir. We grow the fruit from where the juice comes from."
"I see."
He took another sip and this time, he took a big gulp of the juice and shallowed it. Another sip and the glass was empty.
"I would like to have another glass if I may."
"Yes sir. I'll be back with another glass."
"Captain Gloval, what about your energy barrier system and energy shield?" Exedore asked.
"They're just defensive and offensive weapons we devised based on the technology we found on this ship when it crash landed on Earth in 1999." Captain Gloval explained.
"Ah, but you did not find everything on this ship." Exedore countered.
"Not to interrupt you Minister Exedore, but we searched every nook and cranny of this ship. I should know because I was with Captain Gloval when we searched the ship after it crash landed on Macross Island." Roy said.
"I understand Lieutenant Commander Fokker, but are you sure you have searched everywhere? Do you know that this ship changes and transforms when it needs to?
Roy did not have to be reminded. He remembered the SDF-1 doing just that. He also remembered feeling like he was a mouse trapped in an ever changing puzzle maze. It felt like they were inside the ship for hours when in reality it was only less than an hour.
"Somewhere in the deep bowels of this ship, is the source of power for this ship and your robotechology; Protoculture and the Protoculture Matrix."
"Please explain to us what 'Protoculture' is, Minister Exdore." Captain Gloval asked.
Exedore was incredulous that Captain Gloval would ask such a question. "You Micronians still insist you do not know what Protoculture is? Why, Protoculture is the most powerful source of energy in the universe."
"No we do not Minister Exedore. I am telling you the truth."
"Very well. What I'm about to tell you Captain Gloval and everyone in this room, not one of you and very few in the Zentraedi know about and I implore you that you do not divulge this to anyone outside of this room. Protoculture is an energy source that is derived from the Invid Flowers of Life. Eons ago Zor, a scientist who like us worked for the Robotech Masters was able to obtain the Flowers of Life when he had an illicit and inappropriate love affair with the Invid Regress. The Robotech Masters wanted an unending source of energy and they heard that the Invid has an unending energy source that came from their Flowers of Life and they pressed Zor to try to appropriate the Flowers of Life from the Invid in any way possible.
Once Zor was able to obtain the Flowers of Life, he built the Protoculture Matrix to contain and capture the energy and set the Matrix inside his ship, this ship. One day the Invid somehow managed to find us and attacked us. During the battle Zor was killed. But before he died, Zor was able to send the ship away to somewhere we did not know because he died before we were able to ask him where he sent the ship. Through the use of a bio-computer the Robotech Masters by searching through Zor's memory bank in his brain was able to ascertain that Zor sent the ship to Earth. We calculated by the speed the ship was going through space that it landed on Earth in the Earth year of 1999. And that is why I am here. We need to find the Matrix and transfer it from your ship to our flagship. We are running low on energy and the Robotech Masters and most likely the Invid will eventually come to Earth looking for the ship and the Matrix. Once we find the Matrix, have it transferred from your ship to our flagship and have it installed, we will leave you and not return. We do not want to bring our war with the Invid to you."
Everyone in the room fell silent after Exedore told the story. It was too fantastic not to be believed. Eventually Gloval spoke. "Minister Exedore, like Commander Fokker said, we searched this ship from stem to stern and from top to bottom and we found nothing out of the ordinary. We love to help you but we did not find anything that looks like a matrix."
"Captain, may I see some tools and weapons you use?"
"Of course Minister Exedore."
Several tools and weapons were brought into the conference room for Exedore to look over. He picked up a wrench and being feeling it. He then took out an instrument counter and placed it against the wrench. "Hmm...yes, I do detect definite residual Protoculture signature here but I'm not detecting any pure Protoculture energy. Not in this tool, not anywhere."
ZENTRAEDI ARMADA
BREETAI'S FLAGSHIP
"My lord, incoming message from Lord Dolza."
"Put it on the screen. Hail Dolza." Breetai said giving the Zentraedi salute.
"Breetai, you are to leave Earth sector now. I will be destroying the Earth along with Zor's ship so that the Robotech Masters and the Invid will not be able to obtain the Protoculture Matrix."
"Lord Dolza, that is impossible. I am running low on energy and supplies. And Exedore is on board the Micronian ship."
"What for?" Dolza yelled incredulously.
"He is negotiating with the Micronians in finding the Matrix and having it transferred to my ship."
"Error on your part Breetai."
"My lord, I ask that you delay your attack."
"I will not Breetai. The Earth along with Zor's ship needs to be destroyed and wiped from Zentraedi history. Dolza out!"
The screen then went blank.
"And along with the rest of us you fool. Do you not realize what you are doing? What I am trying to do?" Breetai said to himself in anger. He then let a sigh of frustration and resignation.
"Breetai to Communications Room."
"Communications Room my lord."
"Contact the SDF-1 and tell them that I need to speak with Exedore immediately."
"As you command my lord."
SDF-1
"I'm not detecting any signs of Protoculture anywhere. This long war has been fought for nothing!"
Everyone in the room went numb at the realization of Exedore's confession.
An aide to Captain Gloval knocked on the closed conference room door, walked over to Gloval and whispered in his ear. "Excuse me, Captain Gloval. Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt the meeting. But, there is an incoming call for Minister Exedore from the main Zentraedi ship. They say it's imperative for them to speak to Exedore right away. J-6 has patched it through to here. J-2 and RDF Intelligence is listening in."
"Thank you, Major Anders. Minister Exedore, there is a call for you from your flagship. You can pick up the red telephone."
"Thank you Captain Gloval. Yes, this is Exedore. No my lord. I'm afraid that the secrets of Zor are gone and are lost forever! They do not know where the Protoculture Matrix is. This long war has been fought for nothing! WHAT? You're certain of this?" Exedore asked as his fist began to tighten around the telephone's receiver. "You know what this means then? I understand my lord. Yes, I will tell them."
Exedore put the telephone back in its cradle and looked straight at Captain Gloval with a look of grave concern on his face.
"Captain Gloval, you must escape this solar system immediately. We will assist you."
"WHAT? And leave the Earth defenseless?"
"I'm afraid so captain."
"That is out of the question! We are sworn to defend the Earth!"
"I understand, Captain Gloval. We Zentraedi will not react any differently. What's more, without your help, escape for us is all but impossible. With this armada's energy and supplies nearly exhausted…" Exedore then took in a deep breath and let it out in a big sigh and continued. "I'm afraid that we will soon be fighting a common enemy."
"What are you saying, Minister Exedore?" Maistroff asked.
"My Lord Breetai has just informed me that the Grand Fleet is headed for this star system. The attacks your planet has experienced in past months are small compared to what is headed this way. The Grand Fleet has a total force of four million eight hundred thousand warships with a destructive power of a supernova."
"All right then. A fight it shall be." Gloval said matter-of-factly. Everyone in the room nodded in agreement.
Max took Miriya's hand in his. "I'm afraid that this will be the end of us. Just when we found each other."
"I don't care my love. Just as long as I am by your side fighting I am happy. And if I or you die, so be it."
Rick looked over at Max and Miriya envious at them and wishing that Lisa was by his side and not on Earth. He should have taken the offer by Lisa's father but he didn't because he felt that his first responsibility was to be with his fellow pilots on the SDF-1, even at the expense of him being with Lisa.
"It's not over yet! There still might be a way we will be able to defeat the Grand Fleet."
"Explain Minister Exedore."
"So far, this ship has proved to be unbeatable. I will need more information such as looking at schematics and blueprints of the ship to be sure but I believe there is a way we can win."
ALASKA BASE
Corporal Dawson picked up Lisa at her BOQ building and drove the car to the underground command center like a bat out of Hell.
"Repeating this announcement! All military forces are now at DEFCON TWO! All military personnel are to report to their duty stations at once! All leaves are cancelled! All reservists are to contact their units and await further instructions for immediate mobilization! All civilians are directed to stand by and listen to their local news media for further instructions! We will be making more announcements as soon as further information is available or as conditions warrant. Repeating"
"Turn off the radio Shannon and don't bother searching for other stations. They will just repeat the same thing! Just get to the command center as fast as you can! The MPs will be closing down all traffic and sealing off the base very soon!"
"Yes ma'am."
Five minutes later Corporal Dawson wheeled the car into the cavernous parking lot with tires squealing and turned off the engine.
"Come with me Shannon. I'll vouch for you if the guard says anything."
"Yes ma'am."
As Lisa and Shannon walked into the tactical operations center, an enlisted tech was talking with Sammie. "Earth Command to SDF-1, do you read me? Over."
"This is the SDF-1 Earth Command. We read you loud and clear. Over."
"SDF-1, we have placed our forces on Global DEFCON TWO. Are your forces at maximum combat readiness? Over."
"We are at ninety-five percent combat readiness. We should be a maximum readiness very soon. Over."
"Acknowledged SDF-1. Notify me when you are maximum readiness. Earth Command out."
Lisa saw her father. "Admiral Hayes."
"Commander."
"I need to talk to you in private father." Lisa quietly said.
Lisa pulled her father aside so they can talk in private.
"What is it, Lisa?"
"What about the SDF-1 father?"
"I'm not going to mince words with you Lisa. Once the main Zentraedi fleet comes out of hyperspace and appears on our radar screens, we're going to use the SDF-1 as bait to see if they can draw the majority of the main force away from Earth so we can counterattack them before we have to use the Grand Cannon. I'm sorry Lisa but the SDF-1 is considered expendable. I wished your boyfriend took up on my offer."
Lisa was devastated when he told her the news. "I wished he did too father. But he's an officer in the RDF and his first responsibility is to his men and pilots, not to me. I would do the same thing if I was in his place and I know you would too father." Lisa sobbingly said as tears fell freely from her eyes.
"I know Lisa, I know. I just wish my grandchild wouldn't have to grow up without a father." Admiral Hayes soothingly said as he put his arm around Lisa's shoulder to comfort her. "You need to go to work but give yourself a moment to recollect yourself okay."
"Yes sir."
BREETAI'S FLAGSHIP
Onboard his flagship, Breetai was having a conference call with his top subordinates, Azonia and Khyron to see if they will either stay and fight or leave.
"What will you do, Azonia?"
"There are no options, my lord. Dolza will try to exterminate us now that we have been exposed to the Micronians. I will stay and face the Grand Fleet with you. It will be an honor to go into battle with you, my lord."
"Commendable of you Azonia and may you will win every fight."
"And you too, my lord." Azonia said as she turned off the screen.
"And what about you Khyron? What are you intending to do?"
Khyron began running his fingers through his blue hair then put his hand behind the back of his head as if he was massaging a pain he had in his neck. "You know my answer, my lord. The odds of us winning are too great against us. It's suicide to ask us to fight a battle we can't win."
Breetail raised his right hand as a signal for Khyron to stop talking. "Say no more Khyron! Just as I thought! Like a coward you would rather run than stay and fight! But I expected nothing less than that from you! I wasn't depending on you anyway."
Khyron's face became livid with rage. "How dare you talk to me in that fashion Bree" Breetai cut the connection before Khyron can finish his sentence.
KHYRON'S FLAGSHIP
Khyron was sitting in his command chair steaming mad. He let out a growl then balled up his fist and banged it hard against the arm of his chair. "How dare you call me a coward Breetai! If you somehow manage to survive the Grand Fleet, I will make you pay for calling me a coward!"
"What are your orders sir?"
"Notify the engine room to start up the engines. Grel. We're leaving!"
"To where sir?"
"Anywhere but here."
"But sir, what about our comrades? We can't just run and leave them behind to fight the Grand Fleet by themselves."
"ARE YOU DEAF Grel? You got your orders NOW OBEY IT BEFORE I HAVE YOU SHOT FOR INSUBORDINATION!"
"Yes sir. Engine room."
"Yes sir?"
"Start up the engines."
"Yes sir."
"Helm."
"Yes sir."
"Set course for any direction you chose once the engines start up and up to speed."
"Yes sir."
SDF-1
Exedore with a white carbon pointer in his right hand turned to a tactical space map that displayed on a giant wide screen monitor.
"According to my best estimates, their flagships, cruisers, destroyers, and carriers will be here, here, here, and here. Dolza's flagship will be here according to Zentraedi battle doctrine. It's simple basic military strategy of an all-out straightforward attack and overwhelming numbers. It what has allowed our tactics and battle strategy to remain the same for so long. That and the fact that the Zentrraedi has never lost a battle or war…that is until came up against you. If we can somehow destroy these vessels, it will throw the rest of fleet into confusion and chaos. Next slide."
An enlisted computer tech pressed a mouse button to another tactical space map.
"With their attack forces in disarray, our only chance for survival is to utilize the combined forces of the SDF-1 and what remains of our armada. We were already aware of the crude Grand Cannon that is at Alaska Base and consider it only minimally effective. It will be by pure chance that the cannon will destroy one-third of the fleet. We just need a trigger, a catalyst to bring all of this together."
Captain Gloval spoke up. "Good battle plan Minister Exedore. Let's start putting this plan into action."
"Before we adjourn Captain Gloval I have one more thing to add. Minmei, without your singing this alliance between our two peoples would not have been possible."
Minmei was shocked at Exedore's confession. "Really Minister Exedore."
"Yes, Miss Minmei. While I profess that I do not know everything about your culture, I now know and realize how important your singing is to everyone. It touches something deep inside the Zentraedi psyche that we have never experienced before…a courage that goes beyond mere courage."
Minmei was deeply touched by Exedore's words. "Why, thank you Minister Exedore."
"Miss Minmei…I have a request to make of you. Will you sing for us? So that we may hope for victory. Please Miss Minmei."
"I'll be more than happy to Minister Exedore."
Minmei then took in a deep breath and started singing her signature song; To Be in Love. As she started to sing, Minmei started singing softly. But soon, her young soprano voice stated to grow stronger and her singing seem to fill the whole room. As Rick was listening to Minmei, his thoughts turn to Lisa. He misses Lisa and not sure that either him, Lisa, Roy, Claudia, Ben, Max and Miriya, Captain Gloval, and the rest of his friends, co-workers, the people on the ship, on Earth and their now Zentraedi allies will survive this conflict that will soon reach its horrific climax. He started to cry. Roy and Claudia who were sitting on either side of him, put their hands on his shoulders to comfort him.
"It will be all right Little Brother. You will see Lisa again." Roy said softly to Rick.
"He's right Rick. I've known Lisa a lot longer than you and she's a tough ole gal. She'll make it and so will us." Claudia added.
Rick could not do anything but nod.
After Minmei finished singing, everything was quiet in the room, save from the few people quietly crying and the sniffing of tears.
"All right everyone. Let's get to work." Captain Gloval quietly said.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS CENTER
ALASKA BASE
A young enlisted girl who was one of the tactical operations center radar operator yelled; "Ma'am, lunar radar shows numerous enemy ships defolding 150 kilometers from lunar orbit over the northern hemisphere!"
"How many?" Lisa asked.
"Too many for me to count ma'am but computer estimates have enemy ships at one million, two million, three million…stand by…more ships defolding! Stand by! More enemy ships defolding! It's filling up the radar screen!"
An alarm siren began wailing and numerous red lights in the operations center began turning.
"ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL WE ARE NOW AT DEFCON ONE REPEAT WE ARE NOW AT DEFCON ONE! ALL PERSONNEL MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS REPEAT ALL PERSONNEL MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS!"
Admiral Hayes who moved his flag to the tactical operations center looked at the monitor display showing the defolding activity of the Grand Fleet. His face turned an ashen pale. 'Good God! The reports from Lisa and her subordinates were true! How can they have that many ships?'
He then turned to his aide. "Is the Grand Cannon ready to fire?"
"Yes sir. It's ready to fire on your command."
The base began to shake violently from the numerous laser bombardments from the Grand Fleet.
SDF-1
Rick was standing in the starboard passageway near the captain's conference room looking at Earth through one of the full length windows wondering what Lisa was doing. As he looking, Minmei came up quietly to Rick.
"Hi Rick."
"Hello Minmei."
After a few minutes of awkward silence, Minmei was the first to speak. "Rick…I'm going to ask you a question and I want you to answer it truthfully."
"Go ahead Minmei."
"Is the reason why you haven't called me for over a month was for what happened the night after we went to Vapors?"
Rick shook his head. "It's not just that Minmei, it's the picture that paparazzi took of us going into the nightclub."
"I'm sorry Rick. I should have thought about the paparazzi before asking you to come with me to Vapors."
"It's okay Minmei. I should have thought about that but I didn't…so…it's partly my part. I'm just glad Lisa's not around to see that photo."
Just then the general alarm claxon started to sound and red lights began flashing. Claudia's voice came over the intercom. "GENERAL QUARTERS! GENERAL QUARTERS! ALL HANDS MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS! WE ARE ON COMBAT ALERT! ALL PILOTS REPORT TO YOUR SQUADRON'S READY ROOMS FOR YOUR FINAL BRIEFING AND FOR IMMEDIATE TAKE-OFF! ALL CIVILIAN PERSONNEL PLEASE GO TO THE NEAREST AIR RAID SHELTER RIGHT AWAY!"
Bright lights began flashing. Rick and Minmei turned to see the Earth being bombarded by white hot high energy laser blasts.
"Oh my God Rick!"
"The…whole planet…being destroyed."
"Are they all…are they all dead, Rick?"
"Yes…yes they are Minmei."
Minmei began crying. "Mother! Father!"
"Uncle Jonathan! Aunt Rebecca! Lisa!"
"Is this what's going to happen to us Rick? Are we going to die just like everyone on Earth? This is how it's going to end right!"
Rick put his hands on Minmei's shoulders. "No Minmei! This is not how it's going to end! Do you hear me?"
Minmei nodded but she's not sure if she can believe what Rick is saying to her.
"We are still alive! We still have our lives! We still have you…wait a minute! THAT'S IT! Minmei, I have an idea. Come with me."
"Okay Rick."
BRIDGE OF THE SDF-1
Rick and Minmei ran to the bridge to see Captain Gloval and Exedore standing in front of the main computer monitors.
"Captain Gloval, request permission to speak to you and Minister Exedore!"
"Permission granted. What is it Rick?"
"Sir, I have an idea of how to throw the Grand Fleet into confusion."
"What is it?"
"Sir, Minister Exedore. Most if not all of the Zentraedi in the Grand Fleet have never heard Minmei sing and I remembered how confused the other Zentraedi were when they first heard Minmei sing and how repulsed they were when they first saw me and Lisa kiss."
Gloval nodded. "I've read the intelligence reports. Go on."
"If we can somehow intercept their communications signal with Minmei's singing and beam pictures of Minmei kissing an actor, that would be our trigger. Maybe that will be just enough to throw off the Grand Fleet."
"You're right Rick. That might be just enough. What do you say, Minister Exedore?"
"I concur Captain Gloval. It will be just enough to throw the Grand Fleet into chaos."
"Will you do it Minmei?" Rick asked.
Minmei thought for a moment. "If it will help win this war and shorten the fighting…I will do it." Minmei said with a confident nod.
"Thank you Miss Minmei. We'll set up a platform for you and your band to perform in a side room and we will have a cameraman for you."
"Thank you Captain Gloval."
"Minmei, I have to leave. I have to take-off soon."
"I understand Rick. Good luck."
"Thank you Minmei. Captain Gloval, request permission to leave the bridge."
"Request granted. Good luck Rick and stay safe."
"Thank you sir. I will."
Rick began walking swiftly towards his squadron's ready room when Minmei ran up to him. "Rick! Wait for me! Wait for a minute!"
"What is it, Minmei?"
"Rick, I just want to you tell that…even though I will be singing for everyone…I really will be singing for you."
Rick was touched by what Minmei said. "Thank you Minmei."
Minmei leaned in and kissed Rick lightly on the cheek. Then without saying another word, Rick ran off to be with his squadron.
SKULL SQUADRON READY ROOM
Rick stood in front of his squadron behind a small dais. "All right everyone. This is what we've been training for all these weeks. Just remember to stay in formation and stay with your wingman. If you are fired on, you can fire back. This is a free fire zone. Remember to stay on our assigned frequency and stay off the frequency that is transmitting Miss Minmei's performance to the Zentraedi Grand Fleet. I hope all of us will make it back but if we don't, I want to tell you that it has been a joy to be your squadron commander and I consider all of you my brother."
There was knock on the door. Everyone turned to see the SDF-1's chaplain standing at the door.
"Hello everyone." Chaplain Sampson said with a smile.
"Hello chaplain." Rick said.
"Commander Hunter, can I come in so I can say a prayer for you and your pilots?"
"Sure. Come on in Chaplain Sampson."
Chaplain Sampson came up to dais. Rick moved to the side and bowed his head.
"Almighty God, Father of all humankind and Judge over nations. I pray that you will look over and watch over these pilots as they go into battle. Protect them with your mighty hand and guide them back home when the battle is over. Let us pray that this will be the last battle they will ever have fight and that everlasting peace will prevail for as it says in Your word; "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called, Sons of God." This I pray in Your name. Amen."
"Amen." everyone in the room said.
"Thank you Chaplain." Rick said.
"You're welcome commander." the chaplain as he left the room.
Claudia's voice came back. "ALL PILOTS TO YOUR VTs AND PREPARE FOR IMMEDIATE TAKE-OFF!"
"Okay everyone you heard her, let's go!"
"Wait a minute, skipper! Let's put our hands together and do a break for good luck."
"Okay Ben but we need to do it quickly alright."
"No problem Rick."
"Alright everyone, huddle around me in a circle and put your hands on top of each other."
All of the squadron's pilots then formed a circle, extended their arm out and put their hand on top of each other. Rick then directly looked at each of his pilots with genuine affection and concern in his eyes. He then started to speak very softly. "Guys, I want to let all of you know that is has been a pleasure being your squadron commander and may all of us return to the ship when this is all over with. Okay everyone, on the count of three let's all say 'Success'. Ready. 1-2-3!"
SUCCESS!"
Everyone then ran to their veritechs. After finishing his preflight checks, Rick climbed into the cockpit of Skull One awaiting the flight deck officer's signal to take-off. Claudia then came on the video radio screen. "All pilots, flight deck, SDF-1, and RDF personnel. Stand by for an important message from Captain Gloval."
"Men and women of the Robotech Defense Force, the SDF-1 and citizens of Macross City this is Captain Henry J. Gloval, Commanding Officer of the SDF-1. We are hoping that this battle will finally end this long ongoing war. With the help of our new friends, Lord Breetai and the Zentraedi Armada, we are hoping that we can defeat the Grand Fleet with minimal causalities. You have been briefed beforehand by your squadron commander about staying off the frequency that is transmitting Miss Minmei's performance to the Grand Fleet. I would like to add a few things.
First, to the men of women of the SDF-1 and the RDF, I know that each and every one of you, enlisted and officers will do your duty. We hope that all of you will come back to us but we do know that some of you will not come back. But I know that all of you will do your duty just the same to the best of your abilities.
To the citizens of Macross, I hope that this intrusion into your daily lives will be as minimal as possible. We are hoping for the best but we are prepared for the worst. I have consulted with the Mayor of Macross and have kept him informed of what is going on with this military operation. I am hoping that soon this battle will be over and we'll be able to land on Earth and finally bring this war to end and finally have peace.
Good luck to you all and Godspeed."
Claudia then came back on the video radio screen. "All pilots and flight deck personnel, stand by for a briefing from Lieutenant Commander Roy Fokker, commander of the air group."
Several seconds later, Roy's image was beamed to all pilots.
"All pilots and flight deck personnel. This is Lieutenant Commander Roy Fokker, commander of the air group on board the SDF-1. Ladies and gentlemen, you're about to be engaged in a battle of which the likes of it has never been seen in all of the recent history of the RDF. You, along with this ship and our new Zentraedi friends will hopefully bring an end to this long ongoing war. A special IFF transmitter has been installed in the battle pods of the friendly Zentraedi forces. So, that should keep the chances of you shooting down a friendly down to a minimum. Cat's Eye reconnaissance planes, along with Lieutenant Mitchell on the bridge and the tactical air traffic controllers will coordinate the air battle for you."
"Skull, Vermillion, Orange, Sword, Osprey and Hawk squadrons will be the first wave with Skull taking the lead. Green, Gold, Black, Blue, Yellow and Brown squadrons will be the second wave. Falcon, Pioneer, Eagle, Juno, Ghost and Wolf squadrons will be the final wave. Sun, Galaxy and Star squadrons will be on stand-by. All VTs are fitted with your full compliment of AMRAAM and Sidewinder missiles and gun. Remember what you have learned in flight school and in training in the VR flight simulators and in practice. Stay with your wingman, try to maintain formation and only break off if you have to. I trust all of you in your abilities to perform and to do your job. I hope all of you come back. I wish I was flying with you but be assured that I am with flying you in spirit. The future of the human race is in your hands and your ability to do your job. Good luck and Godspeed."
Claudia came back on screen. "All pilots you are cleared for immediate take-off once you are cleared by the flight deck officer. Good luck everyone and God be with you."
"Wreaker this is Packer."
"Go ahead Ben."
"Good luck Rick. See you on deck after the fighting's over."
"You got it Ben. Good luck to you too."
"Good luck Wreaker."
"Good luck to you Bucky."
Miriya's voice then came over the radio. "Good luck commander."
"Good luck to you Jinx."
The flight deck officer pressed a green button. Seconds later hundreds of veritechs began flying off the main flight deck and off of Prometheus and Daedalusand into an unknown fate.
ALASKA BASE
There was much damage to the tactical operations center and other parts of the underground base. Smoke from small fires began filling up the center but the fires were quickly being snuffed out by ceiling halon gas fire extinguishers and the smoke were sucked out by ceiling ventilation fans. Admiral Hayes coughed but the ventilation fans were helping breathe easier and soon his coughing stopped.
"Damage report!"
"Damage reports from all sectors reports that damage estimates exceed any known scale. We have reports of few survivors scattered around various offices and sections."
"Did the Grand Cannon survive the attack?"
"Yes sir, it did."
"Very good. Begin the countdown immediately."
"Yes sir." Very soon the whole underground base began humming with energy.
SDF-1
"Captain! I'm getting indication of a high energy source emitting from near the North Pole in interior Alaska and many enemy ships are being destroyed!" Vanessa said excitedly.
"Put it on the main screen Vanessa!"
"Aye-aye sir!"
The screen showed a bright energy beam going around 360 degrees and in a back-and-forward and side-to-side arc from Alaska near the Arctic Circle.
"It's the Grand Cannon! Alaska Base survived!" Gloval said excitedly.
Everyone on the bridge began cheering while Claudia just looked at the screen with tears in her eyes.
"Lisa." she whispered.
As Minmei's band were warming up and as Minmei was in her dressing room looking at herself in the mirror as she was putting on her makeup and mentally preparing herself for the performance that would help end a war, there was a timid knock on her door.
"Come in." Minmei said sweetly thinking it was her stage manager giving her the 5-minute signal but it was Bron, Konda, and Rico.
"Hi Miss Minmei…we just came by to say good luck to you and we understand the pressure you're under." Rico said.
"We know how taxing it can be before going into battle." Konda added.
"We wanted to let you know that we are behind you 100 percent and we know that you can do it." Bron said with a blush to his face.
Genuinely touched by what the three ex-spies said she got up from her table and took all their hands in hers. "Oh, that is so sweet of you boys. Thank you."
"5-minutes, Miss Minmei." her stage manager said knocking on the open door.
"Thank you Jimmy. I have to go boys."
"Good luck Miss Minmei." Rico said.
"Thank you boys."
She then kissed each of them on the cheek, then with a flip of her long raven black hair, she was gone.
BRIDGE
"Captain, J-6 has notified me that they have tapped into the Grand Fleet's visual and audio communication signals."
"Very good Claudia. Tell Miss Minmei she can start singing whenever she likes."
"Yes sir."
Back in the side room that was turned into a makeshift performance stage, the stage manager received the word from Claudia. "You're on Miss Minmei." he said in a low voice.
Minmei's band began playing the opening chords to We Will Win. At the same time, the signal that was transmitting Minmei's performance broke in showing up on every ship and battlepod in the Grand Fleet. Many pilots recoiled in horror trying to figure out what was being transmitted on their communications band having never heard music or someone singing before.
"We are within firing range, captain. No counterattack detected." Vanessa said.
"It's working captain!" Exedore said excitedly.
"This is it! All ship open fire!"
That was the queue for n male actor that was several feet away from Minemi to come up to Minmei and say a line from her movie that required for Minmei and the actor to do a stage kiss. The actor put his fingers on Minmei's chin with a practiced look in his eyes of smoldering desire. "Minmei…I"
"Yes…I know Quon Lee…you came to say good-bye."
"Yes…I did Minmei." the actor said quietly before his lips met Minmei's.
Just as soon as the actor and Minmei started kissing, every battlepod pilot in the Grand Fleet reacted with disgust and horror at what they saw. It was the last sight many of them saw before their battlepod exploded in a fireball from a missile that was fired from a veritech fighter.
"There's the enemy! Tally ho!" Rick yelled over the tactical radio net. Very soon veritechs and battlepods began their twisting-turning ballet of death.
Ben was engaged in a life and death duel with a battlepod. He gained missile lock on a battlepod and pressed the missile button on his flight stick. The battlepod exploded in a brilliant fireball just about the same time he jumped in his seat when he saw remains of an explosion that happened behind him.
Miriya's voice came over the tactical radio. "I got him Packer."
"Thanks Jinx." 'She is really one of us now. I'm sorry for being such a xenophobic idiot Miriya.'
Rick saw a Zentraedi light cruiser trying to make a break at the SDF-1 firing its guns at three veritechs that were trying to stop it. The cruiser then exploded in a gigantic fireball sending shards of hot metal towards Rick's direction. Rick dodged the shrapnel as best he could but ran into three battlepods that fired a spread of missiles at him. He dodged them as best he could but couldn't dodge all of them. One missile exploded near him causing damage to the veritech and knocking Rick unconscious.
ALASKA BASE
After the Grand Cannon finished firing its volley. Another barrage of high energy fire from the Grand Fleet rocked the underground base again. Many people in the tactical operations center were dead. Fortunately, Lisa and Corporal Dawson weren't among the casualties. Lisa managed to duck underneath her desk in time when metal beams from the ceiling started falling. The smoke was thick in the air and hotter fires began blazing. The ceiling ventilation fans were doing their best to suck up the smoke but the smoke was too thick and the fires were too numerous for the halon fire extinguishers to handle. Lisa slowly began to get up off the floor when she heard Shannon coughing. She slowly walked in where she heard the sound of Shannon coughing. Lisa came up on Corporal Dawson lying on the floor on her back.
"Shannon, are you okay?"
"I think I'm injured ma'am. My sides hurt when some metal debris from the ceiling hit me but at least I'm alive."
"All right Shannon. Hang on. I see if I can get you medical help."
"Okay ma'am. They're all gone ma'am. They're all gone."
"Let's not jump to conclusions Shannon. Maybe some others have survived."
She then her father's voice. "Lisa, are you there?"
Lisa walked over to her desk to see her father's face on her computer monitor. But his face was distorted by multicolored lines of static. The picture blinked out because of interference only to reappear.
"Yes father. I'm here. I'm alive and so is my driver but she's injured."
"Thank God you're alive Lisa."
From what she can see through the static, Lisa knew he was in his office in the command center. Sparks and small fires can be seen.
"The Grand Cannon has been severely damaged but we have to give it one more try."
"Oh, father."
"You know…I should have listened to you Lisa. You were right all the time. The Zentraedi forces were too numerous and too powerful for our weapons to handle. I am such a fool for not listening to you. I deserve to be dead."
"Father, don't say that. I'll get you out somehow."
"Don't bother about me Lisa. You need to get yourself and Corporal Dawson out of here now!"
'Get out! How? Where? The surface is probably radioactive with debris and molten glass for miles around!' But before she could tell him what was on her mind, a loud explosion was heard behind Admiral Hayes and the camera shook violently. The screen then broke into a rainbow color of distortion and then went blank for good.
"No! Father! Father!" Lisa began to bitterly weep when she heard the voice of Corporal Dawson from the other side of the room.
"Ma'am! You need to get ahold of yourself! Please radio someone for help! Maybe someone will hear you!"
"You're right Shannon." Lisa went to the radio and pressed the microphone.
"Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! This is Commander Lisa Hayes at Alaska Base. Anyone who hears my voice, please respond!"
LUNAR ORBIT
Rick roused himself from his unconsciousness. The engines to his veritech were out and he was floating in space near Earth's atmosphere and he was beginning to feel the heat and pull of atmospheric reentry. 'Where am I?' He checked himself over. 'I don't see any blood. Don't look like I'm injured.' 'Better see if the engines will turn on.' The engines turned over on the first try. 'That's good to know. Doesn't look like the jet's terribly damaged. Wow! It's getting hot in here. I better activate the heat shields.' Rick toggled a switch and instantly, a metal Jolly Roger heat shield covered the veritech's canopy and other smaller heat shields covered other heat vulnerable parts of the veritech. 'There, that's better.' He then heard Lisa's voice on the radio.
"I repeat! Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! This is Commander Lisa Hayes at Alaska Base. Anyone who hears my voice, please respond!"
"Lisa."
Lisa's heart leaped for joy when she heard the voice of the one she loves but she need to know for sure. "Rick…is that you?"
"Yes…it's me Lisa. I'm alive. Where are you?"
"I'm at Alaska Base, in the underground tactical operations center."
"I have a fix on your position. I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Rick, I have my driver with me and she's injured. She needs medical care right away."
Ben's voice came over the tactical radio net. "Wreaker, this is Packer. I will assist you."
"All right Ben. Follow me."
"Rick please be careful."
"I will Lisa."
It had taken Rick and Ben an hour to reach Alaska Base. They started flying down the barrel of the Grand Cannon in guardian mode but sparks and electrical fires were slowing down their progress. When Rick reached the outside of the tactical operations center, there was a 100 ton, 50-foot-high, 3 feet thick steel door that was closed. Rick used the laser beam on the head of the veritech that easily cut a perfect 25 feet circle in the door. Rick turned off the engines to his veritech and jumped down from his veritech just as the cut-out circle fell to the floor with a loud thud. Lisa was standing on the other side crying and ran towards Rick. Rick held out his arms and wrapped his arms around the small of Lisa's waist. They began to kiss very deeply and passionately. After a while, Rick broke their kiss.
"You know Lisa, this rescuing you routine is getting kind of old." Rick said with a goofy smile.
"Oh Rick." Lisa said with a laugh.
They began to kiss again until they heard Ben clearing his throat.
"Excuse me, ma'am but where is your injured driver?"
"She's inside the operations center, captain. She's only several feet away. She's on the floor."
"Thank you ma'am."
"I thought I would never see you again Rick." Lisa said softly.
"I know. I thought I would never see you again too Lisa."
Rick then leaned down to Lisa's still flat stomach and began touching and rubbing her belly.
"Hello, this is your father. How are you?"
Lisa then felt a strange sensation in her stomach. It was almost if the baby was happy and excited to hear Rick's voice.
"You're not going to believe this Rick, but I could swear I felt the baby kicking when you spoke."
"Really?"
Lisa nodded her head and smiled. Then something came to her head.
'You know what, Minmei be damned. I'm going to do something that I should have done a long time ago.' "Let's get married Rick."
Rick was taken aback by Lisa's proposal wondering why she would bring up something like getting married at a time like this. "Are you sure, Lisa? Because you said you always worried about"
Lisa gently and confidently nodded her head. "Yes. I'm sure, Rick. I am so sure right now than I have ever been in my life. Listen to me Rick, I never want you to leave my side ever again. I've lost my father and maybe my friends and I don't want to lose you. And screw Minmei. I'm not worried about her anymore. Let her do whatever she wants, I'm older than her so I'm not scared of the girl. She has gotten in my way one too many times and I'm getting sick of it. I am tried of a teen aged Chinese girl always getting in the way of my happiness."
Inside the smoking tactical operations center, Ben carefully walked around the debris and sparks until he saw Shannon lying on the ground.
"Hi. I'm Captain Ben Dixon. I'm here to get you out." Ben said with a gentle smile.
"Hello sir. I'm Corporal Shannon Dawson. It's nice meeting you sir."
"Just wish it was under better circumstances huh corporal?" Ben asked with a rakish smile.
"You can say that sir." Shannon said with a smile.
"Okay, where are you injured?"
"My sides sir. I think I broke some ribs."
"Okay, I will have to lift you up in my arms. Can you take the pain?"
"Yes I can sir."
Ben gently lifted Shannon up in his arms. She slightly groaned in pain but overall she tolerated the pain well. Ben felt the room begin to shake very violently and more debris began to fall from the ceiling.
"Rick! Commander! We need to get out of here now! This building is becoming very unstable!"
"You got it Ben. C'mon Lisa! You heard him! We got to get out of here!" Rick said as he took Lisa's hand.
"Okay Rick."
"Rick, help me get Corporal Dawson into my veritech. I'll get in first, then you hand her to me."
"Okay Ben."
Ben handed Shannon over to Rick. Rick cradled her in his arms while Ben climbed into his veritech. "Okay Rick, I'm in. Hand her up to me."
"You got it Ben." Rick said as he lifted Shannon as high as he can.
Ben reached down and cradled Shannon in his arms, lifted her into the cockpit and laid her crosswise on his legs. He then put his flight helmet on her head.
"I'm ready to leave Rick."
"Go ahead and take off Ben. Lisa and I will be right behind you."
"You got it Rick."
Ben turned on the engines to his veritech, closed the canopy and begin maneuvering out.
"Okay Lisa, let me get in first then you climb in and sit in my lap."
"All right Rick."
Rick climbed into the cockpit of his veritech. "Okay Lisa. You can climb in."
Lisa began climbing on the footsteps carefully since she was wearing high heeled shoes. Rick reached out with his hands. Lisa grabbed his hands and Rick guided her in. Lisa sat down on his lap as Rick put his flight helmet on Lisa's head. He then closed the canopy, turned on the engines, and began maneuvering out of the underground. When they were above ground, Lisa and Rick climbed out of his veritech while Ben stayed in his because Shannon was on his lap. Rick parked his veritech several feet away from Ben. The land was barren and ashen gray like the surface of the Moon. No grass, trees, birds, other animals, people, buildings, roads or any other signs of human civilization could be found. The sky was dark and a cold stiff wind was blowing adding to the somber mood and landscape. But Rick wasn't thinking about what he saw.
"Lisa, I've been thinking as I was piloting you out."
"Yes Rick." Lisa said in a hopeful tone of voice.
"I want us to get married. But let's do it right, okay."
Lisa thought for a moment. "I'll agree to that, Rick. But don't wait too long to get me the ring and ask me to marry you or else I'll have to get serious with you." Lisa said with a fiendish smile on her face as she put her arms around Rick's neck.
"I won't Lisa. I promise." Rick said with a smile.
Rick and Lisa began kissing for a while and broke it off and began walking towards Ben's veritech with Lisa's right hand grasped in Rick's. Rick looked up to the sky. The sky were still filled with flashes of exploding mecha but they were getting fewer and far between.
"Looks like the fighting is beginning to die down." Rick said.
"Umm-hmm. I wonder if the SDF-1 made it." Ben said looking up at the twilight sky.
"If it didn't and we're the only ones left on Earth, we can restart civilization again with us." Rick said with a smile.
"Rick!" Lisa said as she slapped Rick on his shoulder not seeing the humor in his snide remark.
"Well it's true."
Just then the four of them heard the sound of Minmei's singing on the radio.
"Is that who I think it is, Rick?" Ben asked.
"It does sound like Minmei Ben. Which means"
"The SDF-1 survived!" Lisa said.
The four then saw the heavily battle damaged SDF-1 slowly setting itself down on the barren landscape about fifty miles from where they are.
"Well…let's go home everyone." Lisa said.
"Well said ma'am." Ben said.
Rick and Lisa walked back to Rick's veritech. Rick climbed in first then Lisa climbed in sitting on Rick's lap. Rick closed the canopy to his veritech and then turned on the engines. The four military people then started their way back to the SDF-1 towards an uncertain and unknown future.
Author's ending notes: The military acronym DEFCON stands for Defense readiness Condition. DEFCON are graduated numeric levels of readiness or states of alert for the U.S. military going from DEFCON 5 (lowest state of readiness) to DEFCON 1 (war is imminent) to match varying military situations. Some of you maybe familiar with the acronym from the 1983 movie, War Games. Wikipedia has a good article on DEFCON. Just begin typing in DEFCON in the search box.
The character Chaplain Sampson is in honor of an Army chaplain I knew when I was working for an U.S. Army command at Fort Belvoir, VA. His name is Ralph Sampson and I wanted to honor him for all the good things he had done for me while I was employed at the command.